What would you like to see Bristol's empty shops used for?
Posted by Kerry McCarthy, MP for Bristol East, at 17:14, Tue 21 April 2009:
I have recently offered my support to Hazel Blears' announcement that measures will be put in place to transform empty premises for community, cultual and learning purposes. This will stop them being eyesores and targets for vandals and help to rejuvenate run down areas.
I will be working with local traders, councillors and others to ensure that if premises become vacant, they are not simply boarded up but put to use for the good of the local community.
Some ideas include allowing local charities and social enterprises to use empty shops, to open new community cafés, art galleries and performance spaces, to let the police, fire service or Sure Start use empty shops, and to let new start-up businesses have space in these premises.
I want to know what other ideas people have, what you would like to see them used for. So please post your suggestions on here.
Comments
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Posted by Dominic McGeer, 17:47, Tue 21 April 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
I would like to see them used as advice centres simiilar to those operational in the north of Ireland. Advice services such as citizans advice bureau , swan and the council could provide all sorts of advice ranging from benefits advice to trading standards advice and basic legal issues. this would lighten the load from existing advice centres and as well relieve over worked dwp offices it would also prevent the current level of people feeling disenfranchised with the existing system and it would probably save money in the long term.
Posted by Ashley Spreadborough, 18:14, Tue 21 April 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
Advice centres - specifically on diet and nutrition. They could stock seeds, sprouters etc, and advise on, for example, fighting cancer by consuming raw green foods, hydrating, consuming unrefined salt. Potentially, this could save the NHS billions.
Posted by judith johnson, 18:16, Tue 21 April 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
As Fishponds has few facilities, how about using empty premises for youth clubs, a community centre for self-help groups to meet, some sporting facilities would be welcome and bring back local evening classes. no more pubs, betting-shops, conversions to flats (family housing would be welcome, though) or takeaways.
Posted by Peter Sandilands, 18:31, Tue 21 April 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
Hi Kerry, I'm all for your suggestions on local charities, the police and fire service and allowing start-ups a place to get going. I think these are excellent ideas and would make the best use of these disused premises. Would the premises be seised from private owners (who do not use their property) and made public or just for buildings that the owner cannot be traced?
Posted by otis clarke, 00:31, Wed 22 April 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
i would like to see more skilled persons like myself getting access to some of these premises to do buisnesses, like barbers and hairdressers
Posted by judith johnson, 19:05, Wed 22 April 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
in 20 years we've never had a fishmonger in Fishponds (ironic) - maybe that would be an opportunity for a local business. we really really need somewhere that people with depression, mental health problems, self-help groups can meet locally - there seems to be a lot provided in places like Southmead, Knowle, St Paul's, but Fishponds never seems to get grants for such things. we can't all drive to other parts of the city.
Posted by Rob Acton-Campbell, 20:54, Wed 22 April 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
A good example of a community venture making use of what would otherwise become an empty shop is the Little Co-Op at 156, Church Rd, Redfield which is open Mondays to Saturdays 10am - 5pm.
Originally a private coffee shop and bookstore, the venue proved so popular as a meeting place for local residents that when the owner decided to emigrate, one of the regular customers, Andy Hamilton, author of The Self-Sufficientish Bible, cycled to Aberdeen to raise the money to buy the business.
The shop is now run by a Workers Cooperative and has received a substantial grant from Community at Heart to help it get started.
Part of the remit of the Little Co-op is Community Engagement and to this end poetry nights are being hosted every 2nd Wednesday each month. The Little Co-op is also awaiting a music licence, and will then be able to hold small music events and live gigs on a regular basis.
The Council and others should do all they can to encourage this type of venture.
Posted by Rob Telford, 08:46, Thu 23 April 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
Any extra space should be used to house the hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers in your constituency who need our compassion, Kerry.
Posted by Kerry McCarthy, 18:02, Mon 27 April 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
I'd like to thank everyone that's replied to this thread so far. I've been getting some really varied responses and it's great to hear people being so enthusastic about rejuvinating the local area and community. I will soon be pulling together all the ideas I've had and hope to then move on to the next stage with this.
Posted by caroline leesmith, 18:52, Mon 27 April 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
local charities!
Posted by judith johnson, 06:15, Tue 28 April 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
i'd like to see youth clubs, with a lot of input from members - decorating, organising activities, how the club is run, fundraising etc. give them ownership in these terms, adult supervision and organisation within safety limits, but it should be run by the kids, not provided for them.
Posted by Kerry McCarthy, 10:54, Tue 28 April 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
A national advice line has been launched today to give groups advice on the options available: 0845 645 4564